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The capital of the Philippines is technically known as Metro Manila - a grouping of ten smaller urban areas - but is usually referred to simply as MANILA . Today's accepted wisdom is that Manila will never be a serious tourist destination until the authorities deal with the twin evils of traffic and pollution. Most tourists are in the capital because they have a day or two to kill either at the beginning or the end of a trip to the rest of the country. But all is not lost. In its favour, Manila has friendly people, some excellent nightlife, a few sights that are worth the effort, plus some of the biggest and ritziest shopping malls in Asia. At first sight, Manila may seem clamorous, unkempt and a bit rough around the edges, but what it lacks in architectural sophistication it makes up for with an accessible chaotic charm. The way to enjoy it is to step into the fray and go with the flow, which is exactly what Manilenos have learned to do. Manila started life as a tiny settlement around the banks of the Pasig River. The name comes from the words may ("there is") and nilad (a type of plant that grew near the Pasig). With Spanish colonization, Manila grew into an important port. King Philip II of Spain called it Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad (Distinguished and Ever Loyal City). Images of the city in the eighteenth century show grand merchants' houses and schooners moored in the Pasig. The area around Bindondo, later to become Chinatown, was alive with mercantile activity. Before World War II, Manila was one of the most elegant and cosmopolitan cities in the Orient. But when the smoke cleared at the end of Japanese occupation in March 1945, it was in ruins, having undergone relentless shelling from American howitzers and been set alight by remaining Japanese troops. The Battle of Manila lasted 29 days and claimed 100,000 civilian lives. Rebuilding was slow and plagued by corruption and government inertia. As a consequence, the city that greets visitors today is one of emotional counterpoints, with areas of extreme poverty and degradation lying cheek by jowl with tower blocks and designer boutiques.
intramuros...fort santiago & san agustinandrea nicu says "a must appreciate place. just ride a quiapo pier jeep and tell the driver youre heading to fort santiago. an entrance fee of 40 pesos,less than a dollar, you can stroll the historical place. outside fort santiago, you can ride a pedicab (bicycle with side car) up to san agustin church for 40 pesos also. an entarnce fee of 75 pesos ($1.50) is needed to see the old church. its creepy inside. maybe because its so old, i can feel how strange it is. but its nice to be in history. go and see it, especially with your loved ones." manila tigersmastijack says "manila is a place for wonderful night life with music, drinks, food etc..." where to eatsupremebea says "Manila has been influenced by Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and American Culture. You can see it clearly in our food. We can never be accused of bland taste :)
Some suggestions for casual dining places:
Teriyaki Grill - They serve japanese food with filipino taste. I always always order their chizu maki (chicken roll with cheese $3), tofu steak (with wonderful sauce $3) and california maki ($2).
Chef D'Angelo - Pasta, Pizza and Chicken. Best seller is their White Pizza (seafood with lots of cheese $3) pasta paella (a different take on pasta $3) and spicy chicken (kind of like buffalo wings 3 pcs for $4). Their German chocolate cheesecake is also my favorite (and I don't even like cheesecake).
Figaro Coffee Shop - Competitor of Starbucks. I love their little "Oscar" (sansrival $1.5), Bread pudding with warm vanilla sauce ($1) and their Chorizo pasta (pasta with sausage $3). However, their hot chocolate was very disappointing since I caught a server using the regular SwissMiss.
Dencio's - If you want Filipino food, this is the place to be. Try the sizzling bangus belly (milkfish $3), nilaga (boiled beef with vegtables $4) and gambas (shrimp with sauce $3). The bottomless ice tea is the cheapest I had ($1).
UCC Vienna Coffee - It's a Vienna themed coffee restaurant home based in Japan but located in the Philippines! This cafe is pretty expensive. But their salads are pretty good ($4) with wonderful wonderful Asian dressing and my absolute favorite Samba Cake ($3). A brownie like cake with molten chocolate inside so that when you cut into it, the liquid chocolate comes puring out. Can't beat that.
Ref Crab - Value for money, this is the place. Their buffet cost around $10 and it's all you can eat crab. Not only steamed but with different sauces. Other seafood as well. My favorite is the thermidor prawns.
All of the restaurants above are usually situated inside the malls. So, it's pretty safe.
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Your Tip for Manila
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